RMT confirmed on 13 April 2017 that they will
be holding a new 24 hour strike, on Friday, 28 April 2017, on Arriva Rail North,
in connection to the on going dispute.

The Union says that talks with Arriva Rail
North have failed to offer any progress with the Union's 'Guards and
Drivers Safety Dispute.'

The Union says that:- "As well as digging their heels in on the crucial
issue of the guarantee of a 2nd safety critical member of staff on their trains
the company have also reiterated that they fully intend to introduce a minimum
of 50% driver controlled operation across the franchise upon the introduction of
the new rolling stock. This is a move that they know is wholly unacceptable to
the union. As a result of this wholesale failure by the company to make any
progress in the talks."

As a result of the lack of progress, the RMT's executive has taken the decision
to instruct its members not to book on for any turn of duty between the hours of
1 minuet past midnight (00:01) to 1 minuet to midnight (23:59), on Friday, 28
April 2017.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:- "The public, who support RMT's
campaign for a guarantee of a guard on their trains, will be appalled that
Arriva Rail North have failed to offer any kind of progress whatsoever in the
talks and have instead opted to try and bulldoze through their plans regardless.
It is that flagrant disregard for the safety issues at the heart of the dispute
which leaves us with no option but to put on this further day of strike action.
RMT commends our Arriva Rail North Members on their rock solid display of
strength, resolve and unity during the action so far in opposition to the
introduction of driver controlled operation and defence of the guards to
guarantee a safer, securer and more accessible railway for all. The Union
continues to remain available for meaningful discussions with the company in
order to seek a satisfactory resolution to the on going dispute."